Apparatus and method for scanning an object

ABSTRACT

A scanner has a plurality of cameras positioned around an object to be scanned. The object is illuminated by unstructured light and the object is covered by a textured surface. The cameras can be arranged as pairs and each camera pair is supported on a single support. The scanned object can be a foot, among other things, and the scanner is positioned at a predetermined incline so that the foot is evenly supported. Method for attaching the camera pairs on the support, method for calibrating the camera pairs and method of scanning the foot to provide shoe sizes and shoe lasts are also disclosed.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to an apparatus and method for scanning an object. More particularly, this invention relates to an apparatus and method for scanning the three-dimensional shape of a foot.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The footwear industry has become a large, specialized, and competitive environment. The industry has long-established methods of operation, one of which is to determine shoe size based upon the length and width of the foot. Shoe lasts, which are solid forms upon which shoes are constructed, for each shoe size are used in the manufacture of shoes. Therefore, properly sized lasts are essential for a successful shoe line. Properly fitting shoes are always important to consumers, but fit can be particularly important for golfers, who wear relatively stiff golf shoes over varied terrain, for relatively long periods of time, and in varied weather conditions. Golfers often experience blistering caused by poorly fitting golf shoes. Poorly fitting shoes can also affect the golfers' hitting performance by not providing a stable base for their feet during golf swings. Thus, it is important to obtain the best fitting shoes to minimize such problems.

Various mechanical techniques have been proposed in the past for obtaining foot measurements. For example, most shoe stores commonly use a foot measuring scale known as the Brannock device, produced by the Brannock Device Company of Syracuse, N.Y. This device consists of a metal base plate with several sliding scales. It measures the length and width of the foot to determine an appropriate shoe size. One problem associated with the Brannock device is that its foot measurements are only two dimensional in nature, measuring an absolute length from heel to toe and the width. This method fails to take into consideration factors such as type of heel, e.g., bony versus padded; shape of the toes, e.g., square versus tapered; insole arch; and other characteristics. This device also fails to measure characteristics associated with medical problems such as bunions, which require larger shoe sizes to accommodate abnormalities of the foot.

Some systems use cameras to determine the characteristics of the foot. U.S. Pat. No. 5,911,126 to Massen discloses a method and arrangement for digitizing three-dimensional sensing of the shape of bodies or body parts. The data can be used for automated fabrication of a shoe last, bedding or foot molding, for example. This system uses an elastic envelope worn over the foot/body part during imaging by several cameras surrounding the foot/body part. The envelope carries a high-contrast pattern that allows for digitizing of the image. This method requires that a high contrast pattern is applied on to the bodies or body parts to provide the contrast for digital manipulation.

Other systems have proposed the use of laser beam measurement to determine the characteristics of the foot, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,745,290 to Frankel et al, 5,164,793 to Wolfersberger et al and 5,237,520 to White. In the Frankel and Wolfersberger references, the heel area is not measured. In the White patent, the dimensions of the upper foot are not obtained. Since all areas of the foot are important for a proper fit, omitting these areas is undesirable. Additionally lasers, which are structured light sources, do not illuminate the entire foot at once. The foot is typically painted line-by-line, sequentially until the entire foot is painted. This method of illumination takes time and requires a control mechanism for the laser. The foot must also remain stationary during this time period. Furthermore, laser systems are expensive.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,633,326 to Fukumoto describes an image system, whereby an image pickup head having a CCD camera mounted thereon captures image(s) of a foot. The image pickup head is mounted on an elliptical rail surrounding the foot. The reference also discloses a particular arrangement of signal cable and auxiliary cable to prevent entanglement. The foot needs to remain stationary for a relatively long time for the camera to image all sides of the foot. This reference does not disclose how the image(s) can be processed to create a three-dimensional model of the foot.

Hence, there remains a need in the art for an apparatus and method for accurately measuring feet for production of lasts and selection of proper fitting shoes, among other uses.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed a scanner having a plurality of cameras positioned around an object to be scanned, and the object, covered by a textured surface, is illuminated by unstructured light. Preferably, at least two cameras are arranged in pairs and are located proximate to each other, and the cameras in the pairs are positioned offset to each other in two directions, e.g., horizontal and vertical. Offsetting camera pairs provide a depth perception of the scanned object. At least three camera pairs are used to scan a foot, and two pairs can be used with a foot stop. The camera pairs are positioned such that at least two camera pairs' fields of vision overlap each other. The cameras should have small aperture so that the lenses do not need to be focused within a distance away from the cameras.

Each camera pair, including photosensitive panels, is preferably mounted on a single support, e.g., a printed circuit board. Preferably, the photosensitive panels are positioned are substantially parallel to each other. To compensate for deviation from the parallel relationship, the photosensitive panels are calibrated, and the calibration information can be stored on the printed circuit board.

The present invention is also directed to a scanner comprising at least one digital camera adapted to image a foot, wherein the foot is positioned at an inclination angle of about 12° to 20°, preferably 14° to about 18°, and more preferably about 16°.

The present invention is also directed to a scanner comprising a plurality of cameras positioned around an object to be scanned, wherein at least two cameras are arranged in pairs and are located proximate to each other and wherein the camera pairs are mounted on a single support. These cameras in the pairs are offset to each other in at least one direction.

The present invention is also directed to a method for assembling a three dimensional image of an object comprising the steps of taking images of the object with pairs of cameras, triangulating the images taken by the camera pairs to form triangulated images, assembling the triangulated images to form the three dimensional image using island analysis, and forming a point cloud representative of the scanned object.

The present invention is also directed to a method for affixing at least two photosensitive panels on a single support comprising the steps of providing molten solder areas on the support, placing one photosensitive panel on one area, aligning the photosensitive panels substantially parallel to each other by the surface tension of the molten solder, and affixing the photosensitive panels to the support when the molten solder dries. A method for calibrating the camera pair mounted on the single support is also disclosed.

The present invention is further directed to a method for scanning a foot comprising the steps of placing a foot on a scanner comprising a plurality of cameras, measuring the unstructured light level proximate to the foot, determining whether the foot is properly positioned, taking pictures of the foot with the cameras; and assembling a point cloud with the images taken by the cameras.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the specification and are to be read in conjunction therewith, like reference numerals are used to indicate like parts in the various views:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a scanner in accordance to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the scanner is FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the cameras and processing equipment contained within the scanner of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a top view of the cameras and processing equipment of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view along line 5-5 in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view along line 6-6 in FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a front view of the printed circuit board (with certain details omitted for clarity) located behind one of the camera pairs illustrating the triangulation technique and calibration technique;

FIG. 8( a) is an exemplary portion of a triangulated image in gray scale and FIG. 8( b) is an exemplary portion of FIG. 8( a) is binary black/white scale;

FIG. 9 is an exemplary point cloud representative of a scanned foot; and

FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing an exemplary method for scanning a foot.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIG. 1, scanner 10 comprises a display or monitor 12 supported by neck 14 on housing 16. Display 12 preferably has touch screen capability to interact with users. Neck 14 can be telescopic so that monitor 12 can be raised or lowered. Housing 16 defines cavity 18, which is sized and configured to receive an object to be scanned. Any three-dimensional object can be scanned, and cavity 18 can be enlarged to accommodate objects of any size. The present invention is described below using a foot; however, the present invention is not limited to any particular scanned object.

As shown in FIG. 2, housing 16 is preferably orientated at an incline relative to a surface supporting the scanner. The inventors of the present invention have determined that a foot inclined at a predetermined range of inclination angles exerts even pressure on the foot. In other words, at the preferred inclination the foot exerts even pressure on the heel and the balls. Advantageously, no part of the foot is unevenly deformed or squashed so as not to cause improper foot measurements. For persons weighing between 100 lbs and 250 lbs, the preferred inclination angle ranges from about 12° to about 20°, more preferably about 14° to about 18° and most preferably about 16°.

Referring to FIGS. 3-6, inside housing 16 and supported on platform 20 are camera pairs 22 comprising cameras 24, 26, and central processing unit or equipment (CPU) 28. Platform 20 may also support a hard drive, input/output (I/O) boards, USB boards, telephone modem, wireless communication devices, display units, etc. Camera pairs are preferred, because the pairs provide depth perception to the image, similar to binoculars and human/animal eyes. The processes for manipulating the data from the images taken from the camera pairs are discussed below. Although the present invention is described herein with cameras 22 arranged in pairs, single cameras can also be used, instead of pairs with the present invention. For single cameras, depth perception can be obtained by using adjacent cameras as pairs. A single camera can be a part of two pairs with its two adjacent cameras. A single camera can also form a pair with a non-adjacent camera. A pad 30 is defined proximate to the center of platform 20 to serve as a guide for the correct or preferred placement of the foot.

Unique to the present invention, unstructured light is used to illuminate the scanned object covered by a textured surface. Unstructured light includes, but is not limited to, sunlight, diodes, fluorescent light, and incandescent light, among others. Unstructured light broadly includes any light sources that don't have controlled frequencies. The entire scanned object can be illuminated at once, thereby eliminating the time consuming step of sequentially painting an object line-by-line with a structured laser beam. The optical pattern necessary for analyzing the scanned object is provided by a textured surface covering the scanned object. In accordance to one aspect of the present invention, the textured surface can be a textile sock covering a foot. Preferably, the sock fits snugly over the foot and without the sag rings around the ankles, so that a proper foot measurement can be achieved. Suitable socks can have any color or pattern and preferably have one color. If the socks have multiple colors, preferably the colors do not substantially contrast each other. The socks can be athletic socks or dress socks, and can be made from woven, non-woven, stitch-bonded non-woven or knit textiles.

At least three camera pairs can be deployed to image the foot, including toe camera pair 32 and two side camera pairs 34. These three camera pairs can image the top and sides of the foot. Alternatively, the two side camera pairs 34 can be used along with a positioning device, such as a heel stop or toe stop (not shown). Any number of cameras can be deployed, and preferably seven camera pairs are used, as shown in FIGS. 3-6.

As best shown in FIG. 4, one of the camera pairs is preferably toe camera pairs 32, and the remaining camera pairs are preferably evenly distributed as shown to capture all surface areas of the foot. Two of the remaining camera pairs are preferably side cameras 34. Alternatively, camera pairs 22 are not evenly spaced apart, so long as their fields of vision (FOVs) overlap each other so that all surface areas of the foot are imaged. Camera pairs 22 can be evenly, angularly spaced apart, while the distances to the scanned object are uneven, or vice versa. In accordance to another aspect of the present invention, the FOVs do not necessarily overlap each other, but each FOV images a distinct part of the foot to measure the size of the foot and/or to form a last representative of the foot. In the art of shoemaking, twelve separate measurements of the foot are necessary to construct a last. Hence, each camera or camera pair can measure one or more measurements to make a last.

To obviate the need to focus the cameras prior to imaging, the cameras preferably have relatively small aperture. The aperture can be as small as F-22. Smaller aperture provides a relatively long distance within which no focusing is necessary. In one embodiment, an F-8 aperture is selected for the cameras. This aperture provides a fixed focus from about 6 inches to 14 inches away from the lenses. Preferably, the scanned object is positioned within this fixed focus distance. Camera pairs 22 may have different apertures.

Suitable cameras include, but are not limited to, CMOS (complimentary metal-oxide sensor) digital or electro-optical cameras. Suitable CMOS cameras are commercially available from OmniVision Technologies, Inc. of Sunnyvale, Calif., Micron Technology, Inc., of Boise, Id. and, Veo, Inc. of San Jose, Calif., among other. Each of the cameras has a lens that direct light to strike an array or panel of image sensor photo-sensitive cells or pixels. Each photo-sensitive cell or pixel is a photo-transistor which converts light into a voltage signal representing the light level. The voltage signal is stored as analog information and then digitized by an analog-digital-converter. Alternatively, CCD (charge coupled device) cameras can be used. CMOS and CCD cameras are widely available as consumer digital cameras. Analog cameras can also be used, so long as the image can be digitized thereafter, e.g., by digital scanning.

Referring to FIG. 5, where a front view of camera pairs 22 is shown, cameras 24 and 26 of camera pairs 22 are supported on front face 36. Front face 36 also protects the electronics on the printed circuit board (PC) 38. As shown in FIG. 7 with other details omitted for clarity, directly behind each camera 24, 26 is the photo-sensitive panel 24′, 26′, respectively. Preferably, photo-sensitive panels 24′, 26′ are positioned parallel or co-planar to each other. According to one aspect of the invention, each photo-sensitive panel comprises a two-dimensional array of 1280 pixels by 1084 pixels to give each panel about 1.38 megapixels. In one embodiment, the cameras are black and white cameras, and each pixel when exposed records a gray value having a numerical representation of 0-255 on the gray scale. Alternatively, color cameras can be used. During manufacturing, each panel 24′, 26′ is fixedly attached to PC 38 by molten solder. Due to its relatively high viscosity, the surface tension of the molten solder keeps the panels oriented substantially parallel to PC 38. As the solder hardens, photo-sensitive panels 24′, 26′ are fixed to PC 38.

To compensate for any misalignment from this parallel arrangement, each PC 38 is calibrated. Referring again to FIG. 7, cameras 24, 26 (not shown) are mounted on top of photo-sensitive panel 24′, 26′ in front of calibration board 40. Calibration board 40 comprises a plurality of markings 42. Each marking 42 is preferably unique from each other and the locations of markings 42 on calibration board 40 are known. Calibration board 40 is located parallel to PC 38 at known distances, so that the location of each marking 42 in three-dimensional space relative to cameras 24, 26 is known. Each marking 42 is imaged by cameras 24, 26 via focal points 24 f, 26 f, respectively. Each marking is exposed at different locations on photo-sensitive panels 24′, 26′. By comparing the locations of each marking on photo-sensitive panels 24′, 26′ to each other and to the known location of corresponding marking 42 on calibration board 40 using the triangulation technique discussed below, any misalignment from the parallel orientation can be detected. Calibration board 40 is preferably positioned at three different locations from PC 38, e.g., 6 inches, 11 inches and 14 inches away from PC 38, during calibration. Corrections to restore the parallel arrangement can be calculated and stored on a memory on each PC 38.

One readily apparent advantage of the present invention is that by placing both photo-sensitive panels and both cameras on a single PC board it is easier to arrange the photo-sensitive panels to be parallel or co-planar to each other. As used herein, the term parallel includes both parallel and co-planar.

As best shown in FIG. 5, the cameras in pairs 22 are offset with respect to each other, i.e., they do not align vertically or horizontally with each other. In one aspect of the invention, cameras 24 and 26 are offset about 0.5 inch in the vertical direction and about 1.0 inch in the horizontal direction relative to platform 20. Any offsetting geometry can be utilized. The offsetting location enhances the depth perception of the camera pairs.

The method of locating a single point or pixel in three-dimensional space by both cameras is based on binocular triangulation methodology. Referring again to FIG. 7, an arbitrary point “a” in three dimensional space (x, y, z) or (R, Ø, θ) creates image point 24 a on panel 24′ and image point 26 a on panel 26′. In one example, point “a” can be any point on the textured surface of the sock covered foot. The relative locations of these image points are different on the photo-sensitive panels. In other words, image points 24 a and 26 a are located at different relative positions on photo-sensitive panels 24′ and 26′ (except when point “a” is at the mid-point between the two photosensitive panels). To match image points 24 a to image point 26 a to represent point “a” in three-dimensional space, in one embodiment a PC processor, which is preferably located on PC 38, searches and matches neighboring points or pixels in the vertical and horizontal directions. When the neighboring horizontal and vertical pixels match to each other, then a match is found for image point 24 a and image point 26 a. When the contour of the foot or the scanned foot is sharp, e.g., around the ankle or greater than 45°, or when point “a” is located near the edge of the camera lens, image points 24 a, 26 a may not match each other. Unmatched points in the images are relatively few in numbers, and some images do not have unmatched points.

Binocular triangulation also provides depth perception, because an object is viewed by two lenses (or eyes) and the two images are joined to create a single image. The depth or distance between the scanned object (e.g., the scanned foot or calibration board 40) and cameras 24, 26 can be determined from the distance between matched points 24 a and 26 a, as measured on the PC board and the angle between line 24″ connecting point 24 a to point “a” and line 24″ connecting point 26 a to point “a.” Hence, by employing camera pairs the location of any pixel representing a point on the scanned foot in three-dimensional space relative to the camera pairs is known. Also, as discussed above binocular triangulation can be used with single cameras instead of camera pairs, when adjacent (or non-adjacent) single cameras are paired up for triangulation.

To minimize calculation errors, after image point 24 a is matched to image point 26 a, the distance between point “a” in three-dimensional space as seen by camera 24 and the same point “a” as seen by camera 26 is calculated. Optimally, this distance should be as small as possible, and preferably it should approach zero. If this distance is greater than a predetermined threshold, then the PC processor or CPU 28 should return an error signal.

As stated above, each PC 38 preferably has its own processor or controller to process the data generated by the cameras and a memory storage device (such as flash memory, EEPROM, EPROM, RAM, etc.) to store the raw data as well as the triangulated data of matched points and unmatched points, to store the calibration routine, and to transfer the triangulated data to CPU 28 for further analysis. PC 38 can communicate with CPU 28 by radio frequency, serial or parallel port connections, optical fibers, USB, USB-2, among others. USB and USB-2 are the preferred connection modes due to their high transmission speeds and low costs.

After calibration, each PC and camera pair are fixedly attached to platform 20, such that the positions of the camera pairs are known and should not change significantly. Each camera pair can image other camera pairs in its FOV to calibrate and measure the relative distance between the cameras. For example, referring to FIG. 4, left side camera pair 34 can image right side camera pair 34 and lower right hand camera pair 22 can image upper left hand camera pair 22 and toe camera pair 32 to fix their positions. The relative positions of the camera pairs to each other and on platform 20 can be stored in CPU 28.

Since each camera pair 22 has been calibrated so that the positions in three-dimensional space of the scanned image in its FOV relative to the camera pair are known and since the locations of each camera pair relative to each other on platform 20 in scanner 10 are also known, the locations of each pixel in three dimensional space representing the scanned foot after the images from each camera pair have been stitched together are also known.

After CPU 28 receives all of the triangulated images captured by the camera pairs, CPU 28 stitches or otherwise combines these images to create a three-dimensional image of the sock-covered foot, e.g., point cloud. An exemplary image received by CPU 28 is shown in FIG. 8( a). In one preferred embodiment, an area 43 equivalent to 32 pixels by 32 pixels is selected for matching an image to adjacent images. Selected area 43 represents a portion of the textured sock imaged by a camera pair. Selected areas 43 are located in the areas where the FOVs of adjacent camera pairs are overlapping each other. In any selected area 43, each pixel has a gray scale value from 0 to 255 produced by the black and white digital cameras. Zero value can designate white and a 255 value can designate black and everything in between represents a different shade of gray. Hence, a selected area 43 in gray scale in one image can be searched and matched to a corresponding selected area 43 on an adjacent image. Once a match is made, two adjacent triangulated images can be stitched together with the matched selected areas 43 superimposing each other.

Since selected area 43 in gray scale requires a significant amount of memory storage and processing speed, efficiency and processing speed can be improved when selected area 43 is converted from gray scale to black/white or binary scale. A predetermined threshold gray value is selected. Any gray scale value above this threshold gray scale is converted to black and any gray scale value below this gray scale is converted to white, as shown in FIG. 8( b). After the conversion, one or more islands 44 are created in selected area 43. The predetermined threshold can be the average gray scale or can be any value less than 255. When the threshold is low, more islands are created and when the threshold is high, fewer islands are created. The threshold value can also be adjusted while scanner 10 is in operation to assist with the image stitching process. Islands 44 in selected area 43 can be used to match an image to adjacent images. To minimize calculation errors, during the island matching process the size and location of islands 44 are compared. If the size difference or the location difference exceeds predetermined thresholds, then CPU 28 would also return an error message.

During the stitching process, unmatched points from one triangulated image are searched for in adjacent triangulated images. If the unmatched image points in one image have corresponding matched image points in adjacent images, then the matched points are used. If too many unmatched points remain, CPU 28 may discard the images and instruct the camera pairs to take another set of images of the foot.

From the seven images captured by the seven camera pairs 22, point cloud 48 representing the scanned foot can be generated after the seven images are stitched together, as shown in FIG. 9. As described above, since the relative and fixed positions of camera pairs 22 on platform 20 in scanner 10 are known, and since the images taken by the camera pairs also contain three-dimensional positions of each pixel relative to the cameras, point cloud 48 is a three-dimensional representation of the scanned foot.

Alternatively, instead of a point cloud representation a convolution filtering process can be applied to the stitched image to provide an embossed view of the foot. Convolution filtering is commonly used in commercially available photoshop software and is typically used to provide a clearer outline of the scanned object.

Referring to FIG. 10, and exemplary process of scanning both feet is illustrated. Either the right foot or the left foot can be scanned first. The first step is to adjust the light level in cavity 18 (see FIG. 1) where the foot is inserted. Each camera or camera pair has its own light sensor. Scanner 10 may have its own unstructured light sources, which can be located between camera pairs 22 or located proximate to each camera pair. The amount of illumination generated by these light sources can be controlled by CPU 28 or by the PC controllers for the camera pairs depending on the level of light detected by the light sensors. In one embodiment, the light sources are attached to the underside of the roof of housing 16.

The next steps are to check all the cameras and to determine whether the foot is properly placed in cavity 18. The placement of the foot can be checked by imaging the foot with some or all of the cameras. If all of the foot, including toes and heel, can be imaged, then the foot positioning is acceptable.

After the foot position is confirmed, the foot can be re-imaged by all the camera pairs, or the first set of images can be fully processed. If the foot is improperly positioned, then the user is instructed to move his/her foot before the foot can be imaged.

After the images are taken by camera pairs 22, the images are analyzed to ensure their qualities, e.g., whether the number of unmatched image points are acceptable or whether the distance between the same point “a” seen by camera 24 and camera 26 is within acceptable range. Then the images can be stitched to form a point cloud.

Next, the CPU determines whether the point cloud is acceptable, e.g., whether selected areas 43 between adjacent images can be matched. Then, the point cloud is check to determine whether it resembles a foot.

After these steps are satisfactorily executed, the other foot is scanned and the same steps are repeated, as shown in FIG. 10. After both feet are scanned, scanner 10 can determine the shoe size for the scanned feet.

Alternatively, after the feet are scanned/measured, the information is stored or used to make customized shoe lasts.

In accordance to another aspect of the present invention, each scanner 10 is provided with a communication device so that it can communicate with its home base. The communication device can be a telephone modem so that scanner(s) 10 communicates with home base through telephone lines. Alternatively, the communication device can be wireless, e.g., similar to blackberry e-mail devices. After a scanner 10 establishes communication with home base, it can transfer information stored thereon relating to the scanned feet to home base, and it can receive commands or information from home base, e.g., marketing information relating to the locality where scanner 10 is being deployed. The scanned feet information transferred to home base can be used to develop new shoe sizes to meet market needs.

In accordance to another aspect of the present invention, each scanner 10 has a unique IP address similar to the IP address of a desktop computer or laptop, so that home base can distinguish one scanner from another and that home base can send targeted information to different scanners.

While various descriptions of the present invention are described above, it is understood that the various features of the embodiments of the present invention shown herein can be used singly or in combination thereof. This invention is also not to be limited to the specifically preferred embodiments depicted therein. 

1. A method for assembling a three dimensional image of an object comprising the steps of: (i) affixing a plurality of cameras to a scanner and around the object to be scanned, the plurality of cameras comprising at least two cameras in pair, wherein the cameras in the pair are mounted proximate to each other; (ii) ascertaining the locations in three-dimensional space of the cameras relative to each other; (iii) taking images of the object with the cameras; (iv) triangulating the images taken by at least some of the adjacent cameras and the cameras in pair to form triangulated images; (v) assembling the triangulated images to form the three dimensional image.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the camera pair is mounted on a single support.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the single support comprises a printed circuit board.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the camera pair is calibrated by a triangulation technique so that points on the scanned object are known in three-dimensional space relative to the camera pair.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of (ii) ascertaining camera positions comprises the step of imaging one or more cameras with other cameras.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of (iii) taking images including taking at least two images that overlap each other.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the step of (v) assembling further comprising the steps of selecting an area in the overlapping zone of one triangulated image and matching selected area in the same overlapping zone of an adjacent triangulated image.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the step of (v) assembling further comprising the step of joining the triangulated images such that the selected area in one triangulated image overlaps the selected area in the adjacent triangulated image.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of (v) assembling further comprising the step of forming a point cloud. 